2008 Woodie Awards
Nelson and West defining their unique positions in NBA roster
Brian Lapp '08
Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: Sports
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They were more than just the starting backcourt for the Saint Joseph's Hawks.
Jameer Nelson and Delonte West were the face of a team that took the tiny Jesuit school from 54th and City on the ride of a lifetime.
Whether it was Nelson's Sports Illustrated cover or Delonte's perfect game against Xavier, everywhere one looked in that magical season they saw Nelson and West.
We all know the story. 27-0. A Number 1 ranking atop the AP Poll. The coveted # 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
And of course the crushing loss to Oklahoma State that ended the dream of a National Championship.
Despite the heart-breaking end to this Cinderella story, the accolades did not stop there. Nelson garnered multiple awards, including A-10 Player of the Year and the Naismith National Player of the Year Award, the highest honor a college player can achieve. Both were named to the A-10 All Conference team and both were selected as National All-Americans.
When the dust settled on that miraculous season, it was time to pick up the pieces and move on, leaving us with only memories of what once was.
Nelson set his sights on the NBA. West, coming off his junior year, took some time to weigh his options, but he ultimately decided that he took everything he could from the college game and decided to take his skills to the next level and join his backcourt mate in the NBA.
It is every young basketball player's dream to play in the NBA, and Nelson and West soon found out that dreams do come true.
Nelson was chosen 20th overall by the Denver Nuggets, but his draft rights were shipped to the Orlando Magic immediately following his selection.
West soon followed, selected 24th overall by the Boston Celtics. Interestingly, despite Nelson's tremendous collegiate career, many people believed that West was better suited for the NBA because at 6' 3", some believed he had the necessary height to succeed in the pro game.
Jameer Nelson and Delonte West were the face of a team that took the tiny Jesuit school from 54th and City on the ride of a lifetime.
Whether it was Nelson's Sports Illustrated cover or Delonte's perfect game against Xavier, everywhere one looked in that magical season they saw Nelson and West.
We all know the story. 27-0. A Number 1 ranking atop the AP Poll. The coveted # 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
And of course the crushing loss to Oklahoma State that ended the dream of a National Championship.
Despite the heart-breaking end to this Cinderella story, the accolades did not stop there. Nelson garnered multiple awards, including A-10 Player of the Year and the Naismith National Player of the Year Award, the highest honor a college player can achieve. Both were named to the A-10 All Conference team and both were selected as National All-Americans.
When the dust settled on that miraculous season, it was time to pick up the pieces and move on, leaving us with only memories of what once was.
Nelson set his sights on the NBA. West, coming off his junior year, took some time to weigh his options, but he ultimately decided that he took everything he could from the college game and decided to take his skills to the next level and join his backcourt mate in the NBA.
It is every young basketball player's dream to play in the NBA, and Nelson and West soon found out that dreams do come true.
Nelson was chosen 20th overall by the Denver Nuggets, but his draft rights were shipped to the Orlando Magic immediately following his selection.
West soon followed, selected 24th overall by the Boston Celtics. Interestingly, despite Nelson's tremendous collegiate career, many people believed that West was better suited for the NBA because at 6' 3", some believed he had the necessary height to succeed in the pro game.
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